Another new DAC: Audio Mirror

@vassils

I get why you feel that way. However, we also know in audio many things make us scratch our heads. The upgraded Orchid is in another league, as you say, vs. stock so a comparison would be interesting and don’t count the Orchid out. I have owned and modified enough gear to know the upgraded Orchid is very special. It is also some $900 less than the maxed out AM SE.

No way to know for sure without direct comparison. My gut is they will be close and will offer different strengths. Subjective preference would determine the best one for a given person. Just a guess like your guess. Love to compare both directly to know.

I have at least heard The Orchid, upgraded Orchid and $1800 AM dac so my speculation is born out of a little direct experience/knowledge.

I agree with what @rx8man shared earlier. It is just a great time to buy a reasonably priced dac, wether upgraded or not, and experience such enjoyable sound. We have so many great choices!  Audio Mirror, MHDT, Lampizator Amber 3, Border Patrol and others.  Digital has never sounded so good for reasonable money.  

We need to keep our "own" ears open, and for the cost consideration involved with these pieces, they can be heard in our systems, swapped with friends, so on so forth.

Yes, I'm sure Teajay is a really nice guy, but, things are relative in the context of a given system and personal taste requirements.

The aforementioned Dacs in this thread are affordable and provide good "musical" results, without putting up a house mortgage or car note.

Which front end source/streamer would go well with this DAC?

I just want to know what $10K DACs you are comparing this to.  I have a hard time believing these statements until I know the product and the comparison results.  I am sure the DAC is very nice sounding, not sure what league means either.

Happy Listening.